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Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Hotel's regular seasonal rate.Please call the hotel directly at 912-443-2021 Mon.-Fri. between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional nights before and/or after the program are subject to availability and the hotel's seasonal rates. Hotel staff won't have specific program participant information earlier than 4 weeks prior to any program start but can still arrange additional reservations if space is available; the hotel fills quickly during popular travel seasons, so please call as early as possible to book additional nights.

Note: Please note: any element of this program schedule is subject to change without notice, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Afternoon: Afternoon check-in at the hotel starts at 4:00 p.m. and Road Scholar registration is in the lobby between 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Dinner: Dinner in the hotel meeting room where orientation will take place following the plated, served meal, which will include salad, entree, side, and dessert, along with iced tea and coffee.

Evening: Orientation - meet and greet fellow participants and go over the week's itinerary in the hotel meeting room after dinner. If you arrive after orientation, please check with the front desk for your program materials.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Hotel's regular seasonal rate.Please call the hotel directly at 912-443-2021 Mon.-Fri. between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional nights before and/or after the program are subject to availability and the hotel's seasonal rates. Hotel staff won't have specific program participant information earlier than 4 weeks prior to any program start but can still arrange additional reservations if space is available; the hotel fills quickly during popular travel seasons, so please call as early as possible to book additional nights.

Savannah's Streets & Squares: Lecture and field trip with a brilliant History instructor, highlighting Savannah's fascinating evolution over the past centuries.

Note: An active afternoon of walking to and from field trip and lunch locations over sometimes very uneven terrain. The distance may be up to 1.5 miles total, with very limited, short breaks at points in the field trip. There may be locations that require walking up and down several steps, including up into and down out of the trolley used for transportation.

Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, including a variety of hot and cold items and beverages, in the hotel restaurant, The DeSoto Grille. The timing and seating are flexible and individual, starting at 6:30 a.m. Set a breakfast date with some of your fellow participants or get an early start on your own, allowing for a before-class work-out in the fitness center or a morning stroll outside the hotel.

Morning: In this morning's lecture, begin to discover the compelling aspects, layer by layer, square by square, of Savannah's history; from revolutionary to evolutionary, Savannah's major-event-filled past decisively defined her unique, multifaceted present.

Lunch: Enjoy a light, plated lunch at a charming local restaurant, which occupies a former apothecary store.

Afternoon: An expert-led, walking adventure of the Historic District, taking in beautiful sites and hearing stories that will give true sense of Savannah's long journey. Today's field trip will include a visit to the Massie Heritage Center, Georgia's first public school.

Dinner: Choose between two distinctive yet equally delicious entrees (along with salad, side, dessert, iced tea, and coffee) during our seated dinner with the group, located at a restaurant in an historic building overlooking the bustling Savannah River and charming River Street. Specialty beverages are available for individual purchase if desired.

Evening: After a long, busy first day, there will be no formal activity after dinner, leaving plenty of time to linger over the evening meal.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Hotel's regular seasonal rate.Please call the hotel directly at 912-443-2021 Mon.-Fri. between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional nights before and/or after the program are subject to availability and the hotel's seasonal rates. Hotel staff won't have specific program participant information earlier than 4 weeks prior to any program start but can still arrange additional reservations if space is available; the hotel fills quickly during popular travel seasons, so please call as early as possible to book additional nights.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, March 24 - The Birth of Savannah, A Deeper Look into Colonia...

The Birth of Savannah, A Deeper Look into Colonial Architecture and Customs, and Savor Savannah's Southern Culinary Delights : Spend the day "in the past" and the evening "in the kitchen."

Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, including a variety of hot and cold items and beverages, in the hotel restaurant, The DeSoto Grille. The timing and seating are flexible and individual, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Morning: Visit with General James Oglethorpe - from the pages of journals, diaries, and letters of that time period, Gen. Oglethorpe comes to life and relays the first years of the "Georgia Experiment." You're sure to be mesmerized by our talented and knowledgeable historic re-enactor, who portrays General Oglethorpe full-character with incredible accuracy!

Lunch: Seated lunch with your fellow participants, served in the hotel meeting room between presentations.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon with our outstanding History professor - who makes learning fun - discovering the "ornate details" of colonial and other types of architecture that can be seen throughout the Historic District; we'll also gain insight into entertainment customs of days gone by.

Dinner: Enjoy the "fruits" of the evening cooking class, savoring the flavors of what is prepared this evening at the cooking school.

Evening: "Low-country cooking" with our renowned local chef - receive valuable tips via Chef Darin's vast experience and humorous wit while learning how to prepare popular local and regional specialties in a fun, interactive format. Shrimp and grits with red-eye gravy are the stars of the menu tonight, among other delicious dishes you're sure to appreciate!

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Hotel's regular seasonal rate.Please call the hotel directly at 912-443-2021 Mon.-Fri. between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional nights before and/or after the program are subject to availability and the hotel's seasonal rates. Hotel staff won't have specific program participant information earlier than 4 weeks prior to any program start but can still arrange additional reservations if space is available; the hotel fills quickly during popular travel seasons, so please call as early as possible to book additional nights.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, March 25 - Notable People, Places, and Pastimes: From the f...

Notable People, Places, and Pastimes: From the founder of the Girl Scouts to Savannah's Master Builder, prominent past residents' stories and life experiences are revealed today.

Note: An active morning and afternoon of walking to and from field trip and meal locations over very uneven terrain. Up to approximately 1.5 miles total at a comfortable pace with stops in between. There is no elevator at the Davenport House; participants must be able to climb and descend up to 3 flights of stairs during the visit. There may be locations that require walking up and down several steps, including up into and down out of the trolley used for transportation.

Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, including a variety of hot and cold items and beverages, in the hotel restaurant, The DeSoto Grille. The timing and seating are flexible and individual, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Morning: Discover one of Savannah's most influential former families with a visit to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace this morning. Walk as a group to the beautifully preserved building that the Gordons called home; an expert-led visit of the home will help you get to know better this prominent, early Savannah family that made such a lasting impact on our historic city and beyond.

Lunch: Enjoy a seated, casual lunch, including a choice of sandwiches, a side, dessert, and iced tea or coffee at a lovely inn and restaurant in the Historic District filled with history, charm, and even a ghost story or two!

Afternoon: A late afternoon walking field trip to the Isaiah Davenport House; on-site experts will reveal a detailed look into the fascinating aspects of 19th century Savannah people and events, especially as related to urban slavery. We'll gain a better insight into the stark juxtaposition of life for the privileged and free as opposed to the disadvantaged and enslaved.

Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed-paced, plated dinner offering a choice between three entrees along with a salad, side, dessert, iced teal and coffee at a local establishment situated directly on the Savannah River, with breathtaking views of massive cargo ships occasionally passing by just outside the windows! Adult and specialty beverages are available for separate purchase by participants if desired.

Evening: Because of the late afternoon program, there will be no formal activity after dinner, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the evening meal with new friends, chatting about all of the exciting things you've experienced so far as well as planning for tomorrow!

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Hotel's regular seasonal rate.Please call the hotel directly at 912-443-2021 Mon.-Fri. between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. Additional nights before and/or after the program are subject to availability and the hotel's seasonal rates. Hotel staff won't have specific program participant information earlier than 4 weeks prior to any program start but can still arrange additional reservations if space is available; the hotel fills quickly during popular travel seasons, so please call as early as possible to book additional nights.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, March 26 - Memorable Mercer Music and Free Afternoon/Evening...

Memorable Mercer Music and Free Afternoon/Evening: Enjoy lyrics and melodies that shaped early American music then venture out into Savannah on your own for the rest of the day and evening.

Note: Feel free to ask your group leader for activity and dining suggestions on your free time today.

Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, including a variety of hot and cold items and beverages, in the hotel restaurant, The DeSoto Grille. The timing and seating are flexible and individual, starting at 6:30 a.m

Morning: Delight in an engaging and entertaining musical presentation featuring the songs of Savannah's own Johnny Mercer, performed by an outstanding trio of singer/musicians. Between songs, you'll learn about the man behind the music, the life behind those timeless lyrics!

Lunch: Buffet-style lunch in the hotel restaurant, DeSoto Grille is included today. Flexible timing and individual seating from the end of morning presentation until 2:00 p.m., so participants can better plan the rest of their free afternoon and evening.

Afternoon: Free time: explore further the beautiful Historic District and all it has to offer on your own after lunch, or perhaps venture out into the surrounding areas to take in sights and points of interest not included in the program.

Dinner: Dinner on your own: try a restaurant that wasn't included on your Road Scholar schedule this week. Many great dining establishments offering a variety of cuisines are within walking distance of the hotel. Your group leader will be happy to provide suggestions and directions. There is also a hotel concierge onsite to recommend free-time dining and entertainment options.

Evening: Evening at leisure to relax, enjoy an activity on your own, or prepare for your journey home. Take in a show at the Historic Savannah Theater, just over a block away, or stroll down to City Market or River Street and pick up some pralines to bring home!

Day Six: Friday, March 27 - Popular Songs in America and Program Wrap-Up: Lea...

Popular Songs in America and Program Wrap-Up: Learn while you listen to some instantly-recognizable songs then say good-bye to your group leaders and fellow participants.

Note: Program ends around 10:45 a.m. after morning class. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, including a variety of hot and cold items and beverages, in the hotel restaurant, The DeSoto Grille. The timing and seating are flexible and individual, starting at 6:30 a.m

Morning: Learn the stories "behind the music" with our final lecture/performance by a talented balladeer/music historian - you might even be inclined to sing along to a few songs you know by heart! Finally, bid farewell to your fellow participants and coordinator. Thanks for joining us and have a safe journey home!

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!